Book Review Double Feature: Webley Solid Frame Revolvers

Published on June 23, 2019
Duration: 5:16

This video reviews two books by Joe Black, published by Schiffer, that serve as comprehensive catalogs for identifying and understanding Webley solid frame revolvers. The books focus on civilian and police models, distinguishing them from the more common military patterns. They are presented as invaluable resources for collectors and enthusiasts struggling with the vast variety and often inconsistent production of these firearms.

Quick Summary

Two books by Joe Black, published by Schiffer, offer a comprehensive catalog of Webley solid frame revolvers, focusing on civilian and police models. These volumes are invaluable for identifying the vast variety of Webley pocket and police revolvers due to their extensive color photography and minimal, focused text.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Book Review
  2. 00:09The Gentleman's Revolver: Webley
  3. 00:22Challenge of Webley Revolver Identification
  4. 00:36Introducing the Two Reference Books
  5. 00:45Volume 1: Models 1, 1.5, 2 Bulldog, Pug
  6. 00:51Volume 2: RIC, MP, Number 5 Models
  7. 01:14Distinction from Military Pattern Webleys
  8. 01:38Why Civilian Guns Are Harder to Catalog
  9. 02:06Catalog Approach vs. Rule-Based Identification
  10. 02:40Book Structure: Minimal Text, Maximum Examples
  11. 03:03Content: Hundreds of Color Photographs
  12. 03:12Photography Quality and Limitations
  13. 03:35Comparison to Belgian Revolvers
  14. 03:53Overall Value of the Books
  15. 04:04Publishing Details: Schiffer, Joe Black
  16. 04:12Price and Availability
  17. 04:39Conclusion: An Inestimable Resource
  18. 04:55Personal Identification Example
  19. 05:04Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes identifying Webley solid frame revolvers difficult?

Identifying Webley solid frame revolvers is challenging because Webley was not under strict contractual obligations for specific patterns, unlike military contracts. This allowed them to frequently alter designs and features, creating a wide variety of models and serial number ranges that complicate definitive identification.

How do the reviewed books help identify Webley revolvers?

These books serve as comprehensive catalogs featuring hundreds of color photographs of individual Webley solid frame revolvers. By comparing a firearm to the detailed examples within the books, collectors and enthusiasts can more accurately identify its specific model, variations, and potential production period.

What specific Webley models are covered in these books?

The two volumes cover a range of Webley solid frame revolvers. One focuses on the Number 1, 1.5, 2 Bulldog, and Pug models. The other details the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary), MP (Metropolitan Police), and Number 5 models, providing extensive coverage of these civilian and police firearms.

Are these books text-heavy or image-heavy?

The books are primarily image-heavy, functioning as visual catalogs. They contain minimal textual content, just enough to explain the most important elements of variations, changes, and model distinctions. The bulk of the identification work is done by comparing your firearm to the hundreds of detailed color photographs provided.

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